athiest teen

[sadie66]

I have a high school student in my Confirmation class (who I’ve known for many years) who has gone through tremendous loss in her life. She now professes to be an atheist and is only going through the motions of Confirmation for her father. She is open to discussion though and I have purchased a couple books to give her- From Atheism to Catholicism by Kevin Vost and Arise from Darkness by Fr. Groeschel. I would like to put some words of wisdom in the jacket- maybe a thought provoking quote. I am relying on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit- but does anyone on this forum have any ideas for words of wisdom to impart to her? Thanks!

 

[CouldBNE1]

I liked Something Other than God by Jennifer Fulwiler. Just thought you might want to add that to the list of possibilities.

 

[Joko2599]

As a former atheist who is trying to rebuild his faith, I can say that it won’t be easy convincing her that a higher power exists. One piece of advice I can give to you is not to push it. If you force her to believe in God, she’ll end up resenting both you and the Church. That is exactly what happened to me with my family members.

Only through deep self-reflection did I come back. Let her choose her own path, while praying every day and encouraging her to do community service with Catholic Charities.

 

[Lou2U]

I have a high school student in my Confirmation class (who I’ve known for many years) who has gone through tremendous loss in her life. She now professes to be an atheist and is only going through the motions of Confirmation for her father. She is open to discussion though and I have purchased a couple books to give her- From Atheism to Catholicism by Kevin Vost and Arise from Darkness by Fr. Groeschel. I would like to put some words of wisdom in the jacket- maybe a thought provoking quote. I am relying on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit- but does anyone on this forum have any ideas for words of wisdom to impart to her? Thanks!

I suggest that you tell her she should be getting confirmed if she truly believes, not just to please her father. You should then ask her “what can I do to help you rebuild your faith?” If she wants to read books, then get them for her.

It sounds to me as though her loss has caused her to lose faith, and honestly, I don’t think reading books will help too much. Just be a good example to her, and maybe ask her how she is coping with her loss. Her feelings are probably clouding her attitude to her faith, and as Joko2599 has said - don’t force the issue because it will do more harm than good.

Lou

 

[Billy112]

Pray! Sometimes it is really all that can be done to put things in Jesus’ hands.

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give your friend guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom to the Catholic Church.

 

[Sarcelle]

The most you can do is plant the seed.

Whether or not it grows is up to the Holy Spirit.

It took decades for the seeds planted in my confirmation class to start sprouting.